If you need inspiration to Train… here it is

I thought I’d never be putting together a rant about Cannondale. After year of riding their bike frames in both Mountain and Road bikes I just felt I had to post this information around the “Cannondale Life Time Warranty”. In mid 2004 I bought a CAAD7 Cannondale frame, just over 3 years of owning and riding this frame “White Rust” or “Aluminium Oxidation” has appeared on the top tube at the rear cable guide. I found it when I was installing a new group set. 

I did some research on the web as we all tend to do these days and found that this is a common problem. The forums seemed to the U.S based and there was some talk around the warranties, the basis was that some owners had their frames replaced and others not. I understood that if you had purchased your Cannondale from a Cannondale dealer and you where the only owner of the frame you wouldn’t have an issue with having the frame replaced or re-sprayed. This would be what you would expect from a “Lifetime Warranty”.

The Warranty does state:

“FRAMES (frame, fork structure, swing arm): Cannondale frames (except freeride, see below) are warranted by Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, 16 Trowbridge Drive, Bethel, CT 06801 against manufacturing defects in materials and/or workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner.”

Unfortunately in my case after sending in digital pics to my Authorized Cannondale Retailers I received the news from Cannondale Australia,

“There is only a 1 year warranty on the paint on those frames.  All we can offer is a respray for $299 which is our cost… “

The Lifetime Warranty which reads like you’ll be looked after is not the case. As the frame is 3 years old and has not been used for the entire time it’s been owned… and this is a manufacturing defect (in my book anyway) this would be covered. After my 8 year loyal ownership of Cannondale the dream run has come to an end with me anyway.

Cannondales Lifetime Warranty

Tour Wrap up.

Sorry for the delay, work is taking over life. Pity cycling is not a profession for and average Joe.

Well thank god I’m not a betting man, But my Cadel production of a top 3 would have had a good return. On the other hand my Vino top 5 was blown out the water two days after the I blogged it. To be honest the tour still lives on for me even with a few riders having themselves and the teams pulled “Riding under the Influence”. In terms of professional cycling as a whole it’s a testament to the international organisation in their attempt to clean up the sport.

The highlights for me where the two TT’s (damn that second TT was close) and the Pyrenees stages. I must admit that Cadel and Levi seemed evenly matched this year. I was over the moon to see Jens get away in two long break always. Where does he get his energy from? Fantastic Jens, you make me believe that even at the ripe old age of 34 I should get off my butt and get out on the bike.

Cadel, what a race. Well Done. Best Aussie placed in the tour to date. Outstanding! Watching you battle over the Pyrenees with nothing left in the tank with non other then the best four or five cyclist was fantastic. At one point…. At around 1:15am, forgotten the stage,  I was attempting to channel my legs to you (not they would help much as I was in “Non-active rest”) to keep you on the wheel and not loose time to the lads. 

Stage 13, 54km TT

The Individual 54km TT would see the GC change and the rain would keep the TT honest. At 1:31am this morning (Oz time) the results where in. Staying up was the only option as this was the stage to watch. Vino showed his pure TT ability and pulled back large time gains on the GC and moved from 19th to 9th over all. It was a good day in the office for Vino and watch this space I think Vino will be a contender after all.

Cadel blased around the course coming in second for the stage behind Vino. Cadel now sits 2nd overall with three days in the Pyrenees to come and 60 seconds off the yellow Cadel is poised to make it or break it in the mountains.

Tips for the week ahead. From the way things are looking I’m tipping Vino to slip into the top five if not even the top three if he has the legs in the mountain. Cadel will need to ride a smart race not giving time away to the other GC contenders and wait for the second TT to pull on the yellow. 

Today’s stage has seen South African Robbie Hunter get a stage win after a second a week ago. As this is Barloworld’s second stage win in the ‘07 TDF, the wildcard team is thanking the sponsors and Tour Management for inviting them to the TDF. This second win has given the team the respect they deserve in the Peloton.

All GC rider have kept safe in Stage 11 and out of the wind. Team Astana came out in the windy conditions to make a statement that Vinokourov TDF is not over yet. It appears that Vino’s medical staff have been working late into the night to keep him on the bike. Vino almost pulled the pin on Wednesdays stage, his team manager Marc Biver later said his injuries included inflammation under his kneecap, Vinokourov woke up knowing it was time to end days of struggling to stay in the race.

Robert Hunter (RSA) Team Barloworld, Stage 11. TDF 2007

Stage 11 highlights - VeloNews TV
Post Stage 11 Interview with Robbie Hunter (Team Barloworld) - VeloNews TV